Indiana’s electronics recycling program has helped Hoosier households, small businesses and public schools recycle more than 87 million pounds of electronic waste over the past four years. An Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) report on the program, known as Indiana E-Cycle, shows it has expanded the availability of recycling options for unwanted, broken and obsolete electronics.

Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium that can be harmful if released into the environment. However, other materials contained in the items, including steel, glass, plastic, copper, gold, tin, silicon, and aluminum, can be reclaimed by recyclers and used by manufacturers to make new products.

“Most electronics from households, public (including charter) schools, and small businesses in the state are prohibited from being discarded with the trash,” said Rick Bossingham, assistant commissioner of IDEM’s Office of Compliance Support. “Under the Indiana E-Cycle program, Indiana’s electronics manufacturers, retailers, collectors and recyclers are helping Hoosiers recycle electronics that have reached the end of their useful life.”

IDEM advises that many organizations accept donations of good used electronics; however, items that cannot be donated should be recycled. Some collectors accept items for free, while others charge a small fee for certain items. To learn about costs and restrictions, citizens can call ahead or visit a collector’s website. Citizens are also advised to ask their local recycling program about upcoming collection events in their area. To find a statewide listing of collection sites, a listing of solid waste management districts, organizations that accept donations of good used electronics, and manufacturer take-back programs, citizens can visit IDEM’s website at www.IN.gov/idem/recycle/2377.htm.

IDEM advises removing all personal or confidential information before donating or recycling your item. Many retailers offer this service for a small fee. Before donating or taking your item to a collector or recycler, ask them how they handle data security. Some collectors and recyclers may not accept hard drives.

To lessen the environmental impacts from electronic waste, or e-waste, even further, IDEM suggests purchasing quality products that can be easily upgraded and using rechargeable batteries.

About Indiana E-Cycle

The Indiana electronic waste program was established in 2010 under the requirements of the Indiana Electronic Waste Law that went into effect in 2009. Named Indiana E-Cycle in 2013, the program is managed by the Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance in IDEM’s Office of Compliance Support.

The program requires manufacturers that sell certain products in Indiana to register with the state and establish collection and recycling programs for consumers. Manufacturers are required to ensure the collected items meet a minimum weight based on the weight of the goods they sell in the state. Manufacturers must complete a registration each year and pay fees, which help fund the administration of the program.

Retailers, solid waste management districts, community recycling programs, and other independent collectors and recyclers register with the program to take in electronics and report the quantities being collected to the registered manufacturers. Collectors and recyclers do not pay fees.

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